Exploring experiences, barriers and treatment preferences for self-reported perinatal anxiety in Australian women: a qualitative study

Objective: Perinatal anxiety (PNA) is common, yet few studies have examined the perceived barriers to accessing mental health services and treatment preferences for women in the perinatal period. Further, there is a lack of research specifically exploring Australian women’s perspectives on treatment preferences for PNA.

Method: The current study explored the views of 20 women (M_age = 34.65, SD = 8.68) who were experiencing, or who had previously experienced, PNA using semi-structured interviews. The interview questions focused on their experiences of PNA, the perceived barriers and facilitators to accessing treatment, and participants’ preferences for treatment.

Results: Verbatim scripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and several global themes were identified, including 1) uncertainty concerning changes during pregnancy and postpartum; 2) making sense of pregnancy, motherhood, excessive worries concerning fear of labour, and fear of caring for the baby and anxiety symptoms; 3) treatment preferences; 4) accessibility as facilitators to accessing therapeutic support; and 5) stigma regarding being a “good enough” mother. Each global theme encompassed several organising themes.

Conclusions: The results of the study identified several common experiences of PNA and indicated numerous barriers and expectations in relation to treatment uptake. The findings from this study can be used to inform future service design and delivery for the treatment of PNA.